Tennessee will receive a higher level of disaster relief for Winter Storm Fern. In 29 counties, individual cash assistance has been approved, opening up a new application process for those impacted.
The ice storm in late January killed 29 Tennesseans, caused unprecedented damage from downed trees and power lines, and displaced thousands of people for days as power outages lingered.
Storm survivors can now apply for assistance in the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
How to seek help
People can get help with disaster-related expenses such as temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of belongings and other needs. You can apply by:
- visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- calling 800-621-3362
- using the FEMA app
Applicants should be ready to share:
- contact information
- a Social Security Number
- damage descriptions
- financial information
- insurance details
FEMA asks applicants to be ready to receive calls from staff, and notes that the agency never asks for payments — a tip designed to prevent people from falling for scams.
More: Nashville taking steps to lessen storm burdens; more FEMA aid approved
Waiting longer
In the early hours of the storm, Tennessee was quickly approved for an initial disaster declaration. Gov. Bill Lee soon sought more assistance, and he noted how “evident” the impacts were and a hope that an expedited major disaster declaration would happen “quickly.”
The state waited 72 days for the latest aid, joining a trend under President Donald Trump in which FEMA aid has been slower to arrive for hard-hit communities, according to an Associated Press analysis. Previously in Tennessee, Trump’s team took 63 days to approve disaster aid for a string of tornadoes that affected 30 counties. That was more than four times the average time to declare disasters in Tennessee under Joe Biden’s presidency.
Aid delays can mean individuals don’t get help with daily living expenses, temporary lodging and home repairs. While waiting, state officials advised residents to prepare by documenting damage, saving storm-related receipts and moving ahead with insurance claims.
The aid is in addition to prior FEMA approvals that specifically helped localities and recovery nonprofits get reimbursements.
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